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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1292560
Association of prolactin serum levels and severity of alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Previous studies have shown that prolactin serum levels are elevated during alcohol withdrawal, normalizing during abstinence. Prolactin secretion ist regulated by dopamine (prolactin inhibiting factor) and so prolactin may possibly reflect alterations of central dopaminergic neurotransmission. We studied prolactin serum levels in 99 male patients during the first two weeks of alcohol withdrawal and early abstinence, compared to 43 healthy controls. Psychological measurements were used to assess the severity of alcohol dependence, the extent of withdrawal symptoms, craving, depressive symptoms and anxiety. Alcohol dependent patients showed elevated prolactin serum levels during the whole study period. Furthermore, prolactin serum levels at admission for detoxification treatment were associated with the severity of alcohol withdrawal (CIWA-Ar) and of alcohol dependence (SESA) but not with the other assessed psychological parameters. Our study confirms previous findings showing an elevation of prolactin serum levels in alcohol dependent patients and early abstinence. The described association with withdrawal symptoms and the severity of alcohol dependence may partially be explained by a pathophysiological connection between prolactin and dopaminergic as well as glutamatergic neurotransmission.